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CHICKEN CHOLERA 

Preventive and Exterminator 

A TREATISE GIVING 

The Cause, Symptoms, Prevention, 

AND EXTERMINATION 

OF 

CHICKEN CHOLERA 

By A. J. feiLL, 

BVRBANK. WAIWE COVNTY, OHIO. 

8 

Secoiid tdilion. 



WOOSTEK . 
REruBLicAN Steam Press Pkint. 

187."). 




THE 



CHICKEN CHOLERA 

Preventive and Exterminator 



A TREATISE GIVING 



m 



The Cause, Symptoms, Prevention, 

AND EXTERMINATION 

OF 

CHICKEN CHOLERA 
By A. J. HILL, 

BURBANK, WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. 






Second Edition. f:::J '1875"^' 



WOOSTER: ^ 
Republican Steam Press Print. 

1875. 

Oh 



Entered accordiug to act of Congress, in tlie year 1875, by 
A. J. HILL, 
In the Office of the Librarian of Congi-ess, at Wasliington, D. C. 






INTRODUCTION 



MN placing this little work before the public, it is proper 
that a few statements be made by way of introduction. 
I have made cholera among fowls the subject of much 
study and investigation, and the conclusions reached are pre- 
sented in this work. 

We may hope to be successful in our efforts to prevent 
and cure this disease when we have correct and well defined 
ideas as to its cause. I ha^e thought that this was a matter of 
considerable importance, for it is obvious that in proportion as 
we are able to trace this disease to its source, we may expect 
to prevent or extinguish its cause. From these considerations 
I have been particular to make the cause of the disease a sub- 
ject of careful investigation. 

The various subjects presented are arranged and divided so 
as to be easily comprehended, and convenient for reference. 

It is believed that a work of this kind is needed— a work 
that is short and right to the point, and a work that is exclu- 
sively devoted to the subject of chicken cholera. 

It is presumed that some mistakes have been made, but it is 
believed that they are of such a nature as not to essentially 
affect the value of the work. 

I wish to acknowledge the favors that I have received from 
W. H. Todd, the veteran breeder, and Editor of the Poultry 
Nation. Knowing that I was preparing a work of this kind he 
has kindly given me much encouragement and advice. The 
work was pretty well advanced, yet some of his thoughts and 



TH^ (JHtCKEN CHOLERA 



ideas have been used. It is believed that poultry breeders will 
find it to their interest to give this work such favor as will 
bring it into general use. 

Nearly every breeder in the country feels that cholera, and 
the fear of it, is an obstacle to the increase of the poultry inter, 
est, and that we need a treatise on that disease, that is more 
definite, and reliable, than anything that we now have. One 
of Mr. Todd's letters refers to this matter, and I will close 
my remarks and give an extract from his letter. 

A. J. Hill, Burbank, Wayne Co., Ohio 

"A treatise on cholera is very important, and in publishing 
your work you are on the right track. I have no doubt it will 
be of great value. I hope you will be able to give the public 
something valuable on cholera, for this scourge, and the dread 
of it, is a formidable barrier to the increase of the poultry inter- 
est, preventing many from keeping fowls who would otherwise 
enjoy it. 

I would say search diligently and be as thorough as you can 
on the subject. No danger of too much being known on chol. 
era.'' W. H. Todd. 

Vermillion, Ohio. 



Preventive and extebminator 



Chicken Cholera, --Its Cause. 



HICKEN cholera is alarmingly on the increase in many- 
parts of the country, sweeping off large numbers of fowls 
every year, occasioning not only much loss, but great 
discouragement to poultry breeders and others The cause of 
this disease should be ascertained if possible and removed, and 
then the effect will cease. The following pages will be exclu 
sively devoted to the subject of chicken cholera — its cause, 
symptoms, prevention, and extermination. 

The limits of this work will not permit any extended argu- 
ment on the question of its cause, but I claim to have sufficient 
evidence to warrant me in saying that it is local. Wherever 
the disease prevails, right there is where its cause exists ; and 
there is the place where its cause was generated, unless infec- 
tious matter had been introduced by diseased fowls or other- 
wise. 

Where a flock of fowls are exempt from this disease, it is be- 
cause certain conditions that are necessary to the production of 
its cause, or to give it a favorable opportunity, to act do not 
exist. 

A special cause is undoubtedly necessary to the production 
of this disease, but there are various agents and influences that 
act as co-operating causes. By removing as far as possible all- 
co-operating causes, the special cause in most cases may be 
rendered to a great extent inoperative, for the co operating 
causes and the special cause of this disease are like the two 



THE CBIGKEM OlIOLmA 



blades of a pair of scissors — " conjoined they are effective, but 
disunited they effect nothing," 

Fowls that are in a low, unthrifty condition are in lust the 
right shape to be acted upon by the special cause of cholera; 
it is therefore proper to class all agents and influences that 
tend to produce that condition as co operating causes of that 
disease ; and wherever cholera prevails, investigation will 
show that the special cause is, in most cases, aidfed by one or 
more of the co-operating causes. 

I. THE CO-OPERATING CAUSES OF. CHOLERA. 

As already stated, there are many conditions and influences 
that have an unfavorable influence on fowls, and they are 
classed as aiding causes of cholera ; some of the prominent ones 
are as follows : — Want of sufficient shade in hot weather, ex- 
posure in cold weather, hen lice, drinking impure water, or a 
lack of a plenty of pure, cold water, or a lack of gravel 
and alkali, unwholesome food, keeping the fowls either too fat 
or too poor, or not giving them a sufficient variety of food, damp 
filthy and poorly ventilated yards and fowl houses, and want 
of sufficient sun-light in their rooms, and a lack of sufficient 
exercise from too close confinement. 

But there is one fact that I wish to make prominent and it 
should be remembered ; and that is, that the co-operating 
causes, singly, nor all together, are the real cause ^f chicken 
cholera. They are simply aids : and the part that they act is 
chiefly in putting the fowls in that condition where they can be 
effectively acted upon by the special cause of that disease. In 
most cases where the conditions are such that a considerable 
amount of the special cause has been produced, there will be a 
sufficient number of general causes ready to aid it, and unless 
means are used to destroy, or weaken the special cause, and to 
remove or lessen the aiding causes,cholera will be the result* 



PREVENTIVE AND EXTERMINATOR. 



II. THE SPECIFIC CAUSE OF CHOLERA. 

The existence of one specific cause may be inferred from the 
specific and distinctive character of the disease ; its phenomona 
is so distinctive, and so uniform that it must have a specific 
and uniform cause. The arguments of the highest authorities 
in medical science bring us to such a conclusion ; and this con- 
clusion has such an important bearing on the question under 
consideration that it should be emphasized ; and with that ob- 
ject in view the statement will be varied a little and re- 
peated—the pathology of this disease is so distinctive and 
specific that it cannot be produced by any general cause, nor 
by a variety of causes, nor by any combination of general causes. 
It must be produced invariably by one cause — a cause that is 
as specific and uniform as the disease that it produces. The co> 
operating causes have no influence whatever in giving the 
disease its distinctive character, for that is wholly derived from 
the peculiar nature of the specific cause. 

Our knowledge of this invisible agent is limited, but from 
certain data we arrive at some pretty definite conclusions in 
regard to its nature, its source, and the rmd^as operayidi by 
which it gives rise to morbid manifestations. 

The special poison that produces this disease is peculiar in its 
nature, and it difi^ers very much from the iniasin that produces 
cholera, in man. The latter is migratory in its nature, the 
former is not. The special cause of cholera in man is supposed 
to be produced in the place from which it takes its point of 
departure, and it is then transported from place to place 
through the atmosphere. 

There is sufficient evidence to show that the poison that pro- 
duces chicken cholera \^ generated on the prem'ses where the 
disease prevails, and that it remains mostly local unless carried 
abroad by other means than the atmosphere. 



THE GUIGKEN GHOLEEA 



Chicken cholera is contagious, Asiatic cholera is not. The 
two diseases are dissimilar in many other respects, but we omit 
any further comparison. 

I have made the etiology of this disease among fowls the sub- 
ject of much study and research; I have studied it in all its 
bearings, and have investigated and experimented until certain 
conclusions have been reached, and it is believed they are 
based on reason and fact. I have some knowledge of general 
and special pathology, and it is my opinion that the character 
of this disease is nearly the same as typhus dysentery in men. 
They have a close resemblance to each other, and there is evi- 
dence to show that the specific cause of both diseases are gener 
ated by the operation of the same law. For these reasons and 
others that have been given, I think that the name of chicken 
cholera is a misnomer. 

The disease to which chicken cholera is so closely allied is in- 
fectious, and by that means, and hy fomites, it may be diffused 
abroad; but otherwise it is not migratory, and its specific cause 
has a local origin. These peculiarities will apply to chicken 
cholera and its specific cause. It is not only contagious, but it 
is quite clear that damp grain and other food can be sufficiently 
infected to communicate the disease to fowls that should eat 
It; and if this food were completely infected and excluded from 
the air it might be carried for miles and fed to fowls with the 
same result. 

In writing on typhus disease, a prominent medical author 
says: ** Facts appear to render it highly probable that the 
disease is developed as a consequence of over-crowding and 
deficient ventilation ; in other words, that the concentrated 
emanations from the bodies of healthy persons may sufiice for 
the generating of typhus miasma." 

He goes on to show that this poison, generated from the con- 
centrated emanations from human bodies, is the special cause 



PREVENTIVE AND EXTERMINATOR. 



of typhus disease in prisons, hospitals, work -houses, ships, un- 
ventilated tenement houses that are crowded with occupants, 
and in military camps. 

When human habitations are poorly ventilated and over- 
crowded, diseases of various kinds will be the result of the un- 
wholesome emanations ; and when the emanations become suf- 
ficiently concentrated, the typhus poison will be generated. 
The virulence and fatality of the typhus disease that will fol- 
low, will be in proportion to the amount of poison present, and 
the influence of co-operating causes. 

In my opinion this is b. plain solution of the question under 
consideration — the cause of chicken cholera. If too many 
fowls are kept together, or if their is insufficient ventilation of 
their houses and yards, there will be an accumulation, and a 
concentration of the emanations from their bodies, which, when 
in a mild form, will be capable of producing many of the 
diseases that fowls are subject to. If a further concentration 
be permitted, the point will be reached when a new substance 
will be produced — ^a specific poison will be generated, and if 
aiding causes are favorable, cholera will be the result, and the 
elements of infection will be in active operation. 

As has been stated, it is quite probable that this poison is 
produced, by the operation of some law of nature, from the con- 
centrated emanations from the bodies of the fowls ; and the 
concentration is the result of over-crowding and insufficient 
ventilation. But there is no doubt that dampness, filth, and 
many other influences, often have much to do in making the 
conditions favorable for its generation. 

After having been produced, this deleterious substance will 
quickly have its effect on those fowls that are in a suitable con- 
dition to be anted upon ; some will be able to resist its influ- 
ences, or at least for a while ; and so the disease will go on. 



10 THE CHICKEN CHOLERA. 



rapid or slow, violent or mild, according to aiding inflaences 
and the amount of poison present. 

Is is impossible to tell just how this specifrj acts in order to 
produce the various phenomena of chicken cholera, but from 
the distinctive character of the disease, we have a right to at- 
tribute it to a toxical origin. 

Wherever cholera prevails the conditions are such as to favor 
the production of the specific that has been referred to, and it 
is reasonable to suppose that it produces the disease. 

The theory that has been advanced will not suffer by being 
applied to any given case where fowls are kept, for it can 
easily be harmonized with any*existing fact ; at least the solu" 
tion will be no more difficult than it often is in other cases o' 
disease that have a recognized and specific origin 

If the disease prevails where hwifew fowls are kept, some o^ 
the co-operating causes will be found to be in active operation, 
inviting and aiding the specific cause to make the attack. If 
the fowl houses and yards are small, damp, and poorly venti- 
lated, it is reasonable to suppose that the emanations might be 
Sufficiently concentrated to admit of the poison being generated. 

Where a large numher are kept together and they are exempt 
from the disease, it is because the emanations have not been 
permitted to accumulate and concentrate sufficiently to admit o^ 
the poison being formed, or not formed in sufficient quantity to 
produce the disease, not having the necessary assistance of 
aiding causes. 

Cholera sometimes prevails where fowls are not regulaily 
housed but seek their roosting places in the open air and else- 
where. On making an examination of the surroundings a satis 
factory solution of the matter will generally be obtained. Such 
cases are generally where a large number of fowls are kept, and 
many of them during night and in stormy weather are huddled 
together in small and unsuitable places; and some of those re 



PREVENTIVE AND EXTERMINATOR 



11 



tion ol tiie cholera poison. 

The infectious miasma emanating ftom fowls tlmt have the 
oho era rarely communicates the disease except to fowls that 
are ,n the .mmcdralc v^amty, for ooncaUraaon oi the miasma is 
generalJy necessaiy. 

There is no question connected with the subject of Chicken 
OtoJera that ,s of more importance for the poultry breeder to 
understand, than that which relates to its cause. The dtease 
does not come by chance-it is the natural result of certain 

Thfu . " " ^''''''' *°"^ ^^""«' '^™ ^^-^ ■"'•y expect 

tant th!t' ^-T""';. '"' *° ^*^^ "^ ^^^^^^'^^ B"' 't - -po- 
tent that our Ideas of Us cause be clear, definite, and correct. 

We repeat that a knowledge of the cause of this disease is 
highly important in a practical view, because if measures 
are emp oy.d wi>h a view to prevent, or to exterminate Tb 
disease, they must be based on the correct theoiy of its cause 
m order to be effectual. 

The various phenomena of the disease are of such a charac- 
ter that we must recognize them as having a specific origin ■ 
and in order to be successful in our efforts to prevent the dis^ 
ease,wernustgoastep further-we must understand what 
that spmfic cause is, and what are the conditions necessary to 
us production. 

The theory that has been presented in the preceding re- 
marks is believed to be founded on fact, and that it is in har- 
mony with the observations of those who have noted the 
workings of the disease, and who have had their attention 
specially called to this matter. 



12 rilE CHICKEN CHOLERA 




The Symptoms of Cholera. 



HE symptoms of chicken cholera are not well under- 
stood by the people generally, and it is probable that 
some men have that disease "on the brain," so much 
so that whenever they lose fowls by any unusual disease that 
they do not understand, to attribute their death to cholera. 
Many fowls go to their grave (so to speak) by other diseases 
and cholera is blamed for sending them there. 

Every one who keeps fowls should be able to distinguish 
cholera from other diseases, for without such knowledge intel- 
ligent treatment is impossible. 

Some of the prominent external symptoms will be given, 
and so far as known the morbid condition of the internal or- 
gans, and the pathological character of the disease. 

I.-THE EXTERNAL SYMPTOMS. 

The fowl has a dejected, sleepy and drooping appearance 
and does not plume itself, is very thirsty, has a slow stalking 
gait, and gaps often. Sometimes the fowl staggers and falls 
down from great weakness. The comb and wattles lose iheir 
natural color, generally turning pale, but sometimes they are 
dark. There is diarrhea with greenish discharge, or like sul- 
phur and water, afterwards it becomes thin and frothy. Pros- 
tration comes on, the crop fills with mucus and wind, and at 
last the food is not digested, breathing is heavy and fast, the 
eyes close and in a few hours the fowl dies 



PREVENTIVE AND EXTERMINATOR. 



When fowls die it is very easy to say thafc tliey died of cho!» 
era and so let it go ; but if the symptoms were not substan- 
tially as given above, an autopsij would show that it was not 
that disease. 

II.— THE MORBID CONDITION OF THE INTERNAL 
ORGANS. 

On dissecting a fowl that has died of cholera, the gizzard 
will be found to be filled with dried up food, or sometimes with 
a greenish matter, and the crop will be inflated with sour mu- 
cus and food. The liver will be much enlarged and flabby, 
and so tender that it will easily mash in the hand ; and it is 
generally much coHgested. The crop and intestines are much 
inflamed, and the latter are filled with a greenish matter. 
The heart is sometimes enlarged. 

III.— THE PATHOLOGICAL CHARACTER OF THE 
DISEASE. 

The disease affects the liver in such a way that it ceases to 
perform its function in secreting healthy bile, and as a conse- 
quence digestion ceases. There appears to be an excess of 
acid in the crop, gizzard and bowels, but we cannot tell ex- 
actly what produces it. Some of it may be the consequence 
of indigestion, and it is quite probable that the liver secretes 
what is known as vitiated bile, which often contains a large 
amount of acid. 

The symptoms and the morbid condition of the internal or- 
gans are of such a nature as to suggest the probability that a 
virulent poison is the cause of the disease, but just how it acts 
on the system to produce such results is unknown. The tox- 
ical effect may be sufficient to cause congestion of the portal 



14 THE CHICKEN CHOLERA 



veins, and a suspension or perver.sion, oi' the hepatic function. 
When such a condition of the system becomes established, 
there might be a tendency to produce /ct^s^ hypertrophy of the 
liver — that is, an enlargement of that organ and a morbid con- 
dition of its structure. 

Tanner says: "Hepatic circulation is atfected by so many 
different agencies that congestion, or undue accumulation of 
blood in the vessels of the liver, is a morbid state frequently 
met with. Moreover, it is the initiative step in many of the 
structural and functional diseases of this organ." 

Softening and enlargement of the liver, as well as conges 
tion of that organ are some of the prominent post mortem evi- 
dences of chicken cholera. 



PRErENTIYB AND EXTERMmATOB. 15 



Ths Prevention of Cholera 



iSm LL of the preventive measures thdt I have to recom 
' mend are based on the theory of its cause, and they 
will be presented under three heads. 

I. -PREVENT THE CO OPERATIVE CAUSES. 

The greatest men of our age, or of any other age, would 
never have risen to greatness and to the performance of won- 
derful deeds, had they not been surrounded by favorable and 
aiding influences. This statement is made to illustrate the 
views that I entertain on the question of our ability to pre- 
vent chicken cholera. 

Some suppose that this disease is like the wind that blow- 
eth, that we may see its destructive effects, but that we can- 
not tell ii}]icnce it cometh, or whither it goeth. But it has 
already been shown that this is not the case. This dis- 
ease has a specific cause, but certain conditions and influences 
are generally necessary to act as co operating causes. These 
conditions and causes are under our control, and we can per- 
mit them, or prevent them just as we choose ; and it will be 
shown in the proper place that these remarks will also apply 
to the specific cause. 

It must be understood that 'preventing the co-operating causes, 
simply means that fowls shall have that management and care 
that their circumstances and nature requires. 



16 THE CniGKEN CHOLERA 



Keep close to the requirements of nature, and there will be 
no cholera. 

During hot weather fowls should be provided with some 
suitable place where they can resort for shade, for the extreme 
heat of the summer has a debilitating effect upon them ; and 
it stimulates the liver to excessive action. In cool weather 
they should have warm and comfortable rooms. Fowls should 
be kept free from lice, for a lousy hen is already diseased and 
in just the condition to invite an attack of cholera. 

The practice of keeping fowls too closely confined is very 
weakening. Exercise and fresh air are the conditions that 
are necessary for good digestion and active circulation of the 
blood. 

Their food should be wholesome and in sufficient variety, 
such as wheat, oats, fresh meat, cooked vegetables, warm 
mush, and but very little dry corn, especially in hot weather. 
The foundation of disease is often laid in over-feeding. Kowls 
that are over-fat, or lean, are unhealthy, and the best condi- 
tion to keep them in is in "good working trim." They should 
have a plenty of pure fresh water, clean gravel, ground bone, 
and an anti-acid ; the latter may be furnished to fowls by 
giving them charcoal, old plaster, and crumbs of lime from a 
slacking box. 

It is not necessary to continue these remarks further, but 
it must be understood that all causes of debility and ill health 
must be prevented, and that fowls should have such care and 
management as their nature requires. When fowls are fledg- 
ing, and moulting, as well as during hot weather, and at many 
other times, they need extra care. At such times they should 
have tonics, and aids to di^^estion Tlie "Doualass Mixture" 
IS one of the best tonics known, and it is also a stimulant to 
the liver. Three or four days in each week put one ounce of 
this mixture into every gallon of water the fowls drink, or it 



PREVENTIVE AND EXTERMINATOR. 17 



may be mixed in their feed. The mixture is made as follows : 
Copperas one poiindj dissolve in two gallons of warm water, 
then stir in one ounce of Oil of Vitriol and jug for use. The 
"Chicken Powder" is made as follows : Copperas, Cayenne 
pepper, Sulphur and Resin, of each four ounces, pulverize and 
mix in their feed three or four limes each week. Dose, two 
spoonfuls for each dozen fowls. 

The above remedies are of great value and all wishing to 
prevent the cholera will do well to use them freely ; not as a 
specific for that disease, but as tending to prevent or modify 
many of the aiding causes. They are valuable remedies be- 
cause they place the fowls in that condition where their resist- 
ing powers will be increased, and consequently less likely to 
take the disease. 

II. PREVENT THE FORMATION OF THE SPECIAL 

CAUSE. 

To avoid a repetition the reader is referred to the remarks 
on the "specific cause" of this disease, but it may be proper to 
say that the disease is of such a character that we are justified 
in concluding that it originates from a specific cause. This 
conclusion is a fair deduction from the principles of medical 
. science. The specific cause that I have suggested is entirely 
adequate to produce the disease, and my theory can be sup- 
ported by more evidence than can be brought to support any 
hypothesis whatever. 

The questions that are now before us are of considerable im- 
portance. Can we prevent the formation of the specific cause 
of chicken cholera ? If so, how can it be done ? The first 
question I answer in the afiirmative ; the second is answered 
by saying : Prevent tlie conditions that are necessary to its 
production ; and this idea will be fuither illustrated by the 
following plan. 



18 THE CHICKEN CHOLERA 



If the fowls must be confined, their yards should be on high 
and dry ground, with a good exposure to sun and air ; and 
they must be sufficiently large and be kept clean and whole- 
some. It is necessary to often strew freah lime over the ground 
and the soil should be turned ovei occasionally. 

Beware of throwing feed on the ground, especially if it (the 
ground) has been fouled by a flock of hens The better plan 
is to feed in clean boxes or troughs. If the grain is left laying 
around on the ground it will soon become sour and unwhole- 
some. These remarks properly belong to the preceding sub- 
ject, but as they were omitted, they are inserted here. 

The fowl house must he so arranged^ and have such fixtures 
and such management that it will not furnish the conditions nec- 
essary to the 'production of the poison. 

After having read the remarks on the conditions required 
to produce the poison, most persons will know how to proceed 
to prevent its formation, but we will give a few directions. 

The fowl house should be on high and dry ground, and 
properly arranged for the comfort of the fowls. It should 
front the south and be provided with windows for the admis- 
sion of light and the warm rays of the sun. Beware of hav 
ing the house dark and damp, for evil lurks in such places. 

It must be roomy and completely ventilated. A number of 
openings near the floor for the admission of fresh air are nec- 
essary, and also in or near the roof for the escape of gases and 
the emanations from the bodies of the fowls. The doors and 
windows should often be left open, fresh air must be admitted 
to dilute and disperse the emanations. The house and yards 
should not only be roomy, but be kept clean and wholesome. 

It will be necessary occasionally to use disinfectants, and 
the reader is referred to the remarks which will be made on 
that subject in the appropriate place. 

2lie number offoiuls hpt should he proportioned to the size of 



PREVENTIVE AND EXTERMlNA TOR. 19 

their house and the extent of their ravge. Here is where 
many have made a mistake. The consequence of over> 
crowding is the production of a large amount ^of emanations 
from the bodies of the fowls, and when sufficiently concentra- 
ted the specific poison will be generated. A roosting room 
eight feet square may be large enough for twenty-five fowls, 
but it would be unsafe for fifty to be housed in a room of that 
size. But it must be understood that the term ''o\er-crowd- 
ing" is not to be exclusively applied to the number of fowls in 
the roosting house, for it also applies to the number kept to- 
gether on a certain extent of range. The size of theflock 
should be proportioned to the extent of range and other con- 
veniences, but there is a limit beyond which it is unsafe to go. 
But it is safe to say that large numbers of fowls may be kept 
by observing in due proportion the conditions of success with 
a few. They may be kept in large flocks if they are skillfully 
managed and have extended conveniences, but the better plan 
is to divide them into flocks of fifty or less. 

Remarks on this subject are closed by saying that space, ven- 
tilation, cleanliness and disinfection are the conditions of suc- 
cess in attempting to prevent the formation of the specific 
cause of cholera. And if these conditions are complied with 
to the extent that nature requires, it will be as impossible lor 
the cholera poison to be generated, as it is for the cause of in- 
termittent fever to be produced in a non-malarious locality. 

It forms no part of my plan to make an extended argument, 
or to give my own experience in order to prove or to illustrate 
my views. 

In a work of this size every idea must be presented briefly, 
and the reader is cautioned to not be led into the error of 
thinking that because some things have been presented in so 
few words that they are of but little importance. 

Every suggestion that has been made in reference to pre- 



20 THli CHtCKP.N CHOLERA 



venting the special cause, should be considered as of great im- 
portance though they may be but briefly referred to. 

In concluding our remarks on the subject of preventing 
cholera, it is proper to state that by preventing the co operat- 
ing causes, it is alviost certain that the disease will be prevented, 
and that by preventing the formation of the special cause, the 
disease will be impossible. 

And I wish to say further, that if the aiding causes are not 
all prevented, there can be no cholera unless the specific cause 
is produced. The aiding causes will produce other diseases, 
but they are not capable of producing cholera. 

There will be instances where, from lack of judgment or per- 
severing effort, the specific cause will be produced. The plan 
to adopt in such case will be found under the next head. It 
will consist of a summary of the preceding directions, and 
such additional remedies as may be necessary to prevent the 
disease. 

III. DIRECTIONS FOR PREVENTING THE CHOLERA. 

. 1. Remove the "co operating causes." 

2. Give tonics, liver stimulants, and aids to digestion. To 
accomplish these objects give the "Douglass Mixture" and the 
"Chicken Powder" freely. 

3. Give the fowls more space. This may be accomplished 
by diminishing the number of fowls, or by increasing the area 
of their range and of their houses. 

4- The poultry house should be thoroughly ventilated and 
be kept clean and dry. 

5. The buildings, yards, and places of resort should be thor- 
oughly disinfected. 

6 Give the fowls a "preventive" — an agent that will destroy 
or render inert, the poison they have taken into their system. 



Preventive aj^d exterminator. 21 



There is no agent known that will accomplish this as quickly, 
and so efFectually, as Coal Oil. I have an experience with 
coal oil that gives me an assurance that it is a valuable rem- 
edy, and a reliable preventive. 

The preceding directions, and the coal oil, is all that I wish 
to recommend as "preventives." If the latter is faithfully 
used nothing else will be needed. I could have easily collect- 
ed from various sources a score or two of receipts and made a 
great parade of them, but it would have only tended to be- 
wilder and mislead the reader, for in most cases such receipts 
are unreliable. The coal oil should be given three or four 
times a week, as follows : Take a feeding of corn or wheat 
and let it soak in the oil a few hours, then feed it to the fowls. 



23 THE CHIOKSN CHOLERA 



Extermination of Cholera. 




HIS subject will be presented under the heads of ex- 
tertninaiing the disease from the premises, and the 
treatment of the disease. 



I. HOW TO EXTERMINATE THE DISEASE FROM THE 
PREMISES. 

1. Read the remarks under "Prevention of Cholera," and 
all of the directions that refer to the "co operating causes," 
"tonics," "liver stimulants," "aids to digestion," "space" and 
"ventilation," must be complied with. 

2. Bury the dead and hurry up the dying, so as to get them 
out of the way ; and confine the affected by themselves. The 
disease is not very contagious, but it is sufficiently so as to make 
a separation necessary. 

3. As has been stated, put the whole flock, sick and well, 
under treatment ; giving them not only the "Douglass Mix- 
ture" and "Chicken Powder," but coal oil should be given 

freely. 

4. Use disinfecting agents that will remove the poison from 
the buildings and the yards. There are a number of such 
agents, and some of them are probably effective by destroying 
the specific poison by chemical action. 

The fumes of burning coal tar and sulphur are of consider- 
able importance in purifying an infected building. A mixture 
of tar and sulphur should be poured into a kettle that has 



PREVENTIVE AND EXTERMINATOR. 23 



been filled witli fire and corn cobs. Place this in the buildino 

o 

and close the doors and windows. It is important that the 
building be completely filled with the smoke for one or two 
hours. 

Fresh lime is of great value and should be freely used 
Whitewash the building, and strew dry lime over the floors 
and yards. 

Perhaps for general use, carbolic acid is as good a disinfec- 
tant as can be obtained. It is convenient to use and is effec 
tive. A saturated solution of the acid should be sprinkled 
around in the building and in the yards. 

One of the most reliable disinfecting agencies known to ex- 
perienced investigators, is dry heat. There are many instances 
where medical men have had recourse to .this agency for the 
purpose of purifying infected buildings, such as pest-houses, 
hospitals, &c. As it will occasionally be convenient to resort 
to this method of purifying an infected fowl house, I will give 
the necessary directions'. Build a hot fire in the house 
and close the doors and windows so as to retain the heat. Con- 
tinue the heating for two hours, and until the room is about as 
hot as an oven. A temperature from 200° to 260° Fah., will 
destroy the specific cause of chicken cholera. 

A number of the disinfectants mentioned should be used, 
and repeated daily, the coal oil given freely and cholera will 
be "exterminated. ' 

II. HOW TO TREAT THE DISEASE. 

1. Confine the affected fowls by themselves and keep their 
rooms disinfected with carbolic acid. 

2. Give no food except warm mush and soaked bread. The- 
crop and bowels are in such a deranged condition that hard feed 
will aggravate the disease and prevent a cure. 



24 THE CHICKEN CHOLERA. 



3. Give coal oil every day to counteract the poison. The 
best way to administer it is to pour it down the fowl with a 
spoon. I have known severe cases of the disease to be cured 
by giving a teaspoon ful of the oil at one dose 

4. Give five grains of bi-carbonate of soda twice a day to 
neutralize the excess of acid. 

5. The disease is of such a nature as to indicate the necessity 
of a purgative and alterative remedy to unload the congested 
blood vessels of the liver, and to cause that organ to perform 
its double ofiice of separating impurities from the venous blood 
and of secreting bile necessary to digestion. The irritation of 
the intestinal canal should be reduced, and the distressing ten- 
esmus relieved. 

To meet these indications the "Cholera Pills" should be used. 
They are made as follows : Blue mass 60 grains, pulverized 
champhor gum 25 grains, cayenne pepper 30 grains, tincture 
of opium 60 drops. Mix and make into 16 pills. Give one 
of these pills every five hours until they act freely, after that 
one a day, for two or three days, will be suflicient. 

Opium is the only astringent remedy that should be given 
to fowls that have the choleia Alter discontinuing the use of 
the pills, the "Chicken Powder and Douglass Mixture" should 
be used every day. 

Many seem to think that the important thing to do, in order 
to cure chicken cholera, is to administer powerful astringents 
to check the diarrhea, but that is only doctoring the symptons, 
not the disease, and such treatment will generally be injurious 
and often prevent rtcovery. A more rational treatment is to 
neutralize the excess of acid, counteract the poison, unload the 
congested blood vessels of the liver, correct the wrong action 
of that organ so that it will secrete healthy bile which is neces- 
sary to digestion, and allay the irritation of the croD and bow 
els. After the "Cholera Pills" have had a sufllicient action, if 



PREVENTIVE AND EXTERMINATOR. 25 



the diarrhea continues, give a teaspoonful of castor oil, or 
enough to act freely, and then give ten to twenty drops of tinc- 
ture of opium three or four times a day, or as often as may be 
necessary. 

Fowls sometimes die from apoplexy, from heart disease, from 
excessive heat, from internal tumors, and from many other 
causes, and 'such deaths are often attributed to cholera. These 
remarks are made because I do not wish the above remedies to 
sink into disrepute for not preventing or curing diseases fo^ 
which they are not adapted and not recommended. To be ef- 
fectual in curing cholera, the remedies must be employed in 
the early stage of the disease. 



26 THE CHICKEN CHOLERA 



IS 



The Conclusion. 



^^^^E have taken the position that the cholera poison 
5^|f/W(?) produced from the concentrated emanations from the 
l^ii<^^^X>S> bodies of fowls, but I wish to add a remark or two 
so that I may be clearly understood. When fowls are in a 
low unhealthy condition it is quite probable that the cholera 
poison will be produced more readily than when fowls are 
healthy and free from the influences of all causes of ill-health. 
The directions for treating the sick fowls are brief. There 
will be no necessity for employing any remedies except those 
which have been presented, for it is believed that they are 
based on the nature of the disease, and on the correct theory 
of its cause. The treatment is therefore based on rational and 
scientific principles, and I would advise the "Chicken Powder," 
the "Douglass Mixture," and the Alkali to be given every day 
to the sick and well, duiing cholera times. Also, the coal oil 
should be faithfully employed. The sick must in all cases be 
confined in a comfortable and wholesome room, and when pros 
tration comes on they should have a stimulant, such as brandy 
or whisky, in teaspoonful doses, 

I do not propose to cure every case of cholera. I claim to 
be able to prevent it, and to e.cferminnfc it. And it is also 
claimed that the above treatment will cure most cases, if they 
are taken in time. It is further claimed, that if fowls have 
the management and care that I have insisted on, thev will not 



PREVmriVE AND BXTBRMINATOll. 27 



only be free from cliolera, but will be more l.eultby, will lay 
more eggs, and be more profitable. 

If this little work shall meet with the favor of my brother 
poulterers, and if it shall tend to advance the poultry interest 
by bringing a feeling of security from cholera, my desires will 
be attained. 



28 APPENDIX. 



W. H. Todd's Views. 



0|(g|[E,. \V. H. TODD has kindly favored me with some of 
^MI^K his views on the subject of Chicken Cholera, and al- 
^i^aKg) though they were not designed for the public, yet as 
his words will have a weight that I cannot hope my own will 
have, I take pleasure in having the liberty to give to the pub- 
lic, through this channel, the following extracts from his let- 
ters: 

*'I know but little about cholera from practical experience. 
I believe half that is called cholera is something else. I think 
we err in housing too close and not giving exercise enough, and 
in exhausting the digestive organs by feeding too much, especi- 
ally to mature fowls. I am now of the opinion that we can 
stay and prevent, most contagious diseases by understanding 
fowls' needs, and by proper management. I don't think any 
of my birds ever had the disease ; but once or twice they had 
a touch of something very near it. I checked it by using daily 
carbolic acid disinfectants in the houses, and by getting all the 
fowls out, and building hot fires in the houses after closing 
them up tight, and '^purifying by fire" daily for an hour. I 
believe in a dry dirt floor four to six inches deep, and in keep- 
ing the houses clean, and often whitewashing them as a pre- 
ventive. 

I have dissected fowlsthathave died suddenly with the symp- 
toms of cholera, and found the disease affected the digestive or- 



APPENDIX. 29 



gans and liver, the latter, in most cases, being as tender and 
easily broken as jelly, more or less enlarged, and much conges- 
ted. The liver appeared to be torpid ; bile not being dis- 
charged sufficiently to aid digestion, and there seemed to be 
too much acid in the bowels and gizzard, both, being filled with 
greenish matter. This being the case, powerful aperient and 
alterative remedies were indicated for a cure. I tried Blue 
Mass and Calomel whenever I saw a hen looking pale, and re- 
fusing to eat, or moping about. I give one or two grain doses 
of calomel twice a day, or twice as much blue mass mixed with 
about the same quantity of cayenne pepper, and one-half the 
quantity of camphor gum with a little flour and castor oil for 
pilling. These remedies I have used with excellent results 

As I have not had much experience with cholera I cannot 
give much information about it, but I believe I can handle it, 
and prevent it." W. H. Todd. 

Vermillion, 0. 

The cause of cholera is not referred to in Mr. Todd's letters, 
and I have no definite information as to what his views are on 
that subject, but from his remarks about "purifying the fowl 
houses with fire," I am led to infer that his views do not diflfer 
much, if any at all, from the theory that has been presented in 
this work. Fearing the cholera had made an attack on his 
lusty Cochins and Brahmas, he goes to battle ; and disinfectants 
and hot fires were his weapons. Those powerful agents were 
employed to accomplish a special purpose ; and that purpose 
must have been the destroying, or rendering inert, an invisible 
poison which he supposed was present, and which was the 
cause of the disease that he dreaded. I can easily believe 
that Mr. Todd has correct ideas as to the cause of cholera, for 
it appears that his fowls have had such management, and have 
been so faithfully protected by his chosen weapons, that only 



30 APPEKDIX. 



*'once Of twice have tliey been touched" with anything that re- 
sembled cholera. That is a good showing, and what has been 
done by one, can be done by others. If the measures recom- 
mended in this work are employed by poultry breeders and 
farmers intelligently, faithfully, and perseveringly, cholera will 
soon be exterminated from the land. 



APPENDIX. 31 



Poultry Journals. 




HERE was an unintentional omission in not giving clue 
credit to the Poultry Journals for many valuable ideas 
that have been of service to me in preparing this 
work, and I now hasten to do them justice. 

We would urge upon all Poultry Breeders, and upon farm- 
ers and others w^ho rai^^e fowls, the importance of taking a 
taking a Poultry Journal. This work will go into the hands of 
many who will be glad to take a journal of that kind, and for 
their benefit, the following list of Poultry Journals is compiled: 

The Poultry Nation, W. H. Todd, editor, Vermillion, Ohio, 
monthly, 50 cts per year; The Poultry Record, C. W. Heaton, 
editor, Farmington, Ills., monthly, $1 per year ; The Swineand 
Poultry Journal, Ward and Darrah, editors, Cedar Rapids, Ia> 
monthly, $1.25 per year ; The Poultry Argus, Miller and Clin- 
ton, editors. Polo. Ills., monthly, $1 per year; Northviestcrn 
Poultry Journal, T. T. Bacheller, editor, Minneapolis, Minn., 
monthly, $1 per year; Pouttry World, H. H. Stoddard, edi- 
tor, Hartford, Conn , $1 25 per year, monthly ; National 
Poultry Journal, C. C Carpenter, editor, Minneapolis, Minn., 
monthly, $1 per year ; The Fanciers Journal^ Jos. M^ 
Wade, editor, weekly, Philadelphia, Pa., $2 50 per year. 

Make a selection of the one you want and send direct to 
the Editor. Thev aro all valnabh^ journnls, and ably con- 
ducted. 



BuRBANK Poultry Yards, 




I '.LACK CUC-IIINS. 

A. J. HILL, PROPRIETOR. 

ALSO, AUTIIOIl OF THE 

"CHOLERIl rRHEITIVym EnEBMIHTOfi," 

I am brofdin-; a fuw chuicc fowls of tlu- following' varieties^ : 

Buff CocJiiu.s, JoBes& G reen, &Toid strains. 

Blaci Cocldns, Fliilaiifler WilMams' strain. 

Brown Leg]i©rns, To old Stec't. 

First- C/ass Fowls, and Eggs for Hatching 

Shipped to auj' point and warranted to arrive in -^ood condition and to be as repre- 
sented. Any one iulercstod in fine fowls, and wisliing to visit my yards are 
cordially invited. I will not be bard to tind, for. 
As you go east from Burbank. 

A half a mile, may be. 
Our coops on wh«^eis,"and painted yards. 
You cannot fail to see. 

.-VGi-KN'rS "WA^^TPID for the Cholera Pn-ventive and Exterminator. 
Liberal terms to all Poultry Breeders who wish to obtain eoDies of this book in larcre 
tiuantities for their customers. Single copies sent to aiiy address for 50 cents. 
Wholesale price given on application: Send stamp for price list of Fowls and Eggs. 

Address, A.. .7. HILL, 

BcuBANK, Wayni; Co., Ohio. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
002 858 307 2 



